Yes, if you plan to stay in the area this is a great time to buy & you sound ready. I would go with a 3 bedroom since they sell easier than a 2 bedroom.
Not bad, if you can determine that it looks like the area you would buy in was increasing in values and sales figures and not a depressed area.
You are young and your career may cause opportunities to open in other locations during the early years; would be a shame to have to give up a promotion and raise because you have relocation issues. Renting can give you the flexibility you may need early on and accumulate even more cash for closing costs and down payments.
It sounds like a good thing to do as long as your job is steady and you plan on staying there at least 5 years. I would put $10K down and keep the additional $20 K in savings for emergency situations. Good Luck
Your lucky to live there, it might be closer to $500k in parts of California.
Your credit rating and length of employment might effect the mortgage rate, but I doubt you would need a 30 year loan. Keep some saving to cover unexpected emergencies, putting down $20k should be more than enough.
If you don't foresee moving, then buying a home is not a bad plan.
I make $40,000 a year and have $30,000 saved up from living at home. I can get a nice single family 2-3 bed 1-2 bath for $100,000. I live in ne tasks so houses are a little cheaper.
